Photography: Hannah Puechmarin
In the tiny, converted deck at the back of her worker’s cottage, Alicia Doyle spends countless hours immersed in her textile and lighting creations. “I get into a ‘flow state’ every day making pieces, which is such bliss.”
During her 17 years as an interior designer, Alicia was often left hunting for items she couldn’t source, particularly soft lighting and large-scale tapestries. “So, during 2021 and 2022 I started sewing again and experimenting. I have sewed since the age of four or five! I also studied millinery and garment production prior to interior design so it feels like all my skills have merged together to create these pieces.”
“Sometimes a light shade takes multiple attempts to get it ‘right’. My first light took more than 15 tries before I was happy with it”
Alicia
AT A GLANCE
Who Designer, maker and owner of Ramble Interiors, Alicia Doyle.
What she does Designs and handmakes vintage-inspired art, textile decor and lighting.
Where From her home studio in Newcastle, NSW.
Why she does it “I really feel like this is what I’m meant to be doing,” says Alicia.
Visit rambleinteriors.com.au; @rambleinteriors
Her Ramble Interiors creations are as considered as they are beautiful. The wall hangings are inspired by vintage and antique artworks from around the world, while the bespoke light shades are customised for each customer, from 25 centimetres to 1.2 metres. “I make everything to order which minimises waste and I only use natural materials and fibres – just organic linens, cottons, dyes and FSC certified timber.”
Growing up in Narromine, a small country NSW town, creativity was in Alicia’s blood. “My mother taught me to sew from an early age, starting with dolls’ clothes and drawstring bags. I was around five when I inherited an old Husqvarna sewing machine.” Her childhood home was a playground of artistic exploration: “My parents let me repaint my room and move furniture around all the time, which was a lovely, freeing way to grow up – constantly experimenting.”
Her interior design experience influences every choice she makes about her offering. “I’m fussy with scale and proportions. I like to imagine the rooms my pieces will adorn, and this guides me with fabric and sizing. I’m also passionate about sustainability, and I really try to think about the lifespan of my pieces and how they will break down over time.”
Alicia works from home so she can be close to her husband, Des, son, Alec, and daughter, Emmy – not to mention Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the family’s mischievous Whippet. Their 120-year-old dwelling provides the perfect backdrop for her masterpieces. “Each room is a different colour but it all works cohesively,” she explains. “It didn’t need a lot of work, just some gentle beautification and love which has transformed it into such a cosy, comfortable home.”
Despite the challenges – handmade lead times of four to 12 weeks and navigating international shipping – Alicia’s joy is in the process. “I absolutely love what I do.”
